Encoded information reading terminal with item locate functionality

ABSTRACT

An encoded information reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, a communication interface, and an RFID reading device configured to output raw message data comprising an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to receiving one or more target item identifiers, to attempt to locate at least one RFID tag transmitting an encoded representation of a binary string, at least part of which is equal to at least part one of the specified one or more target item identifiers. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to successfully locating at least one RFID tag, to notify a user via a visual message and/or an audible message.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally related to encoded information reading (EIR)terminals and is specifically related to EIR terminals equipped withRFID reading devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radio frequency identification (RFID) methods are widely used in anumber of applications, including smart cards, item tracking inmanufacturing and retail, etc. An RFID tag can be attached, e.g., to aretail item. An EIR terminal can be equipped with an RFID reader to readand/or modify the memory of an RFID tag attached to a retail item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is provided an encoded information reading(EIR) terminal comprising a microprocessor, a memory communicativelycoupled to the microprocessor, a communication interface, and an RFIDreading device configured to output raw message data comprising anencoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to anencoded message. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive toreceiving one or more target item identifiers, to attempt to locate atleast one RFID tag transmitting an encoded representation of a binarystring, at least part of which is equal to at least part one of thespecified one or more target item identifiers. The EIR terminal can befurther configured, responsive to successfully locating at least oneRFID tag, to notify the user via a visual message and/or an audiblemessage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates use case scenario of an EIR terminal equipped withitem locate functionality;

FIG. 2 depicts a component level diagram of one embodiment of an EIRterminal equipped with item locate functionality;

FIGS. 3 a-3 b illustrate various embodiments of multiple cellmetamaterial (MTM) antennas suitable for an EIR terminal equipped withitem locate functionality;

FIGS. 4 a-4 b and 5 illustrate various embodiments of hand held EIRterminal housings;

FIG. 6 depicts a network-level layout of a data collection systemutilizing EIR terminals equipped with item locate functionality.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generallybeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In thedrawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout thevarious views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is provided an encoded information reading(EIR) terminal comprising a radio frequency identifier (RFID) readingdevice. The EIR terminal can be configured to read RFID tags containingdecoded messages. In one embodiment, the RFID terminal can be configuredto read an RFID tag containing an encoded message and output raw messagedata containing the encoded message. In another embodiment, the RFIDterminal can be configured to read an RFID tag containing an encodedmessage and output decoded message data corresponding to the encodedmessage.

Various embodiments of EIR terminals can be used in a numerousapplications, including but not limited to, authentication and accesscontrol systems (for example, using smart cards), item tracking inmanufacturing and retail, etc. A smart card is an identification card(e.g., a credit card, a pass card) which does not need to be swiped orotherwise physically contacted by a card reader. This capability can beimplemented by placing an RFID tag in the card. Item tracking can beimplemented by placing an RFID tag on each individual item. Itemtracking with RFID tags can be used in loss prevention systems byplacing an RFID tag into merchandise items and placing sensors at exitpoints. If an exit sensor detects a tagged item with a tag, which wasnot deactivated at the checkout, an alarm can go off. In retail, itemtracking with RFID tags can be used in conjunction with othertechnologies such as bar code scanning and payment terminals.

Of course, devices that read bar codes, read RFID, or read cards bearingencoded information may read more than one of these categories whileremaining within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a devicethat reads bar codes may include a card reader, and/or RFID reader; adevice that reads RFID may also be able to read bar codes and/or cards;and a device that reads cards may be able to also read bar codes and/orRFID. For further clarity, it is not necessary that a device's primaryfunction involve any of these functions in order to be considered such adevice; for example, a cellular telephone, smartphone, or PDA that iscapable of reading bar codes is referred to as EIR terminal throughoutthis disclosure.

RFID technology can advantageously be used to locate a tagged item. Inone example, illustrated in FIG. 1, a retail customer can use his or hermobile communication device 100 (e.g., a smartphone) to search for anitem identifier in a database 151 residing on a remote server 153, andthen using the smartphone's built-in RFID reader, locate on the salesfloor the item of interest 198 with RFID tag 199 attached to it.

In another example, a retail customer looking to find a particularproduct, can scan a bar code tag or read RFID tag 155 of any similarlylooking product 157 using his or her mobile communication device 100(e.g., a smartphone). Smartphone 100 can be programmed, responsive toscanning a product tag, to retrieve the product characteristics from anexternal database 151 that can be provided by the retailer, the productmanufacturer, or by a third party. Smartphone 100 can further beprogrammed to display the retrieved product characteristics and toaccept user's input editing the product characteristics. Smartphone 100can further be programmed, responsive to accepting the user editedproduct characteristics, to retrieve the product identifier, optionallyaccompanied by the product availability and pricing, from externaldatabase 151. Smartphone 100 can further be programmed, responsive toretrieving the product identifier, to either locate the desired product198 within the RFID communication range or display a failure message.

In another example, a retail store sales associate can use his or herportable data terminal to search for an item identifier in a storedatabase, and then to locate the item on the sales floor or in astockroom using the terminal's built-in RFID reader. In a yet anotherexample, a warehouse worker can use his or her portable data terminal toreceive an item identifier from a workflow process running on a local orremote server computer, and then to locate the item in the warehouseusing the terminal's built-in RFID reader. In a yet another example, anairline passenger can receive an SMS or an MMS containing a tagidentifier of an RFID tag attached to his or her luggage, and then tolocate the luggage on or around a luggage distributing belt using theRFID reader built-in into his or her smartphone. In a yet anotherexample, luggage tag identifiers can be provided to an airline passengeras part of an electronic boarding pass transferred to the passenger'smobile phone, e.g., via SMS or MMS.

Component-level diagram of one embodiment of EIR terminal 100 is nowbeing described with references to FIG. 2. EIR terminal 100 can compriseat least one microprocessor 310 and a memory 320, both coupled to thesystem bus 370. Microprocessor 310 can be provided by a general purposemicroprocessor or by a specialized microprocessor (e.g., an ASIC). Inone embodiment, EIR terminal 100 can comprise a single microprocessorwhich can be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). In anotherembodiment, EIR terminal 100 can comprise two or more microprocessors,for example a CPU and a specialized microprocessor (e.g., an ASIC). Inone embodiment, memory 320 can be provided by RAM, ROM, EPROM, and/orSIM card-based memory.

EIR terminal 100 can further comprise one or more EIR devices 330,including a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and a cardreading device, also coupled to system bus 370. In one embodiment, anEIR reading device can be capable of outputting decoded message datacorresponding to an encoded message. In another embodiment, the EIRreading device can output raw message data comprising an encodedmessage, e.g., raw image data or raw RFID data.

EIR terminal 100 can further comprise a keyboard interface 354 and adisplay adapter 355, both also coupled to system bus 370. EIR terminal100 can further comprise a battery 356. In one embodiment, the EIRterminal 100 can further comprise an accelerometer 357. In oneembodiment, the EIR terminal 100 can further comprise a GPS receiver380. In one embodiment, the EIR terminal 100 can further comprise atleast one connector 390 configured to receive a subscriber identitymodule (SIM) card.

As noted herein supra, in one embodiment, EIR terminal 100 can comprisean RFID reading device 333. In a further aspect, the RFID reading devicecan comprise an antenna 121. In one embodiment, antenna 121 can beprovided by a single-cell or multiple-cell transmission line MTM antennashown in FIGS. 3 a (top view) and 3 b (3D view). Antenna 121 cancomprise one or more conductive cell patches 202 a-202 z that can bemounted on a dielectric substrate, provided, for example, by a printedcircuit board (PCB) 210. Conductive cell patches 202 a-202 z can bespatially separated so that capacitive couplings between adjacent cellpatches can be created. Antenna 121 can be designed to include aleft-hand capacitance of a right-hand inductance. Also disposed on thedielectric substrate 210 can be a feed pad 214 that can be provided,e.g., by a metallic plate and can be connected to a conductive feed line216. Conductive feed line 216 can be provided, e.g., by metallic astrip. Conductive feed line 216 can be located close but separately fromconductive cell patches 202 a-202 b. A skilled artisan would appreciatethe fact that MTM antennas having two or more conductive feed lines arewithin the scope of this disclosure. A ground plane can be provided by ametallic layer disposed on the bottom side of PCB 210 (not shown in FIG.3 a) or/and on the top side of PCB 210. In one embodiment, each cellpatch can be connected to the ground plane via a zigzag line to create aleft-hand inductance. In another embodiment, each cell patch can beconnected to the ground plane by a via.

The components of EIR terminal 100 can be incorporated into a variety ofdifferent housings of various forms factors. As indicated by theembodiment of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the components of FIG. 2 can beincorporated into a hand held housing 101. EIR terminal 100 of FIGS. 4 aand 4 b is in the form factor of a hand held portable data terminal. EIRterminal 100 as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b can include a keyboard 1090,a display 504 having an associated touch screen overlay, a card reader1348, and an imaging module 361. As indicated by the side view of FIG. 4b, the components of the block diagram of FIG. 2 can be supported withinhousing 101 on a plurality of circuit boards 1077. In one embodiment,schematically shown in FIG. 5, EIR terminal 100 can be provided by asmartphone. Smartphone 100 can comprise a hand held housing 101, adisplay 504 having an associated touch screen overlay, and an imagingmodule (not shown in FIG. 5). A skilled artisan would appreciate thefact that other housings and form factors of EIR terminal 100 are withinthe scope of this disclosure.

In another aspect, EIR terminal 100 can be incorporated in a datacollection system. The data collection system, schematically shown inFIG. 6, can include a plurality of EIR terminals 100 a-100 z incommunication with a plurality of interconnected networks 110 a-110 z.In one aspect, the plurality of networks 110 a-110 z can include atleast one wireless communication network. In a further aspect, EIRterminal 100 can comprise a communication interface 310 which can beused by the terminal to connect to one or more networks 110 a-110 z. Inone embodiment, the communication interface can be provided by awireless communication interface.

EIR terminal 100 can establish a communication session with externalcomputer 171. In one embodiment, network frames can be exchanged by theEIR terminal 100 and external computer 171 via one or more routers, basestations, and other infrastructure elements. In another embodiment,external computer 171 can be reachable by the EIR terminal 100 via alocal area network (LAN). In a yet another embodiment, external computer171 can be reachable by EIR terminal 100 via a wide area network (WAN).A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other methods ofproviding interconnectivity between EIR terminal 100 c and externalcomputer 171 relying upon LANs, WANs, virtual private networks (VPNs),and/or other types of network are within the scope of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, communications between the EIR terminal 100 andexternal computer 171 can comprise a series of HTTP requests andresponses transmitted over one or more TCP connections. In oneembodiment, communications between EIR terminal 100 c and externalcomputer 171 can comprise VoIP traffic transmitted over one or more TCPand/or UDP ports. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that usingother transport and application level protocols is within the scope ofthis disclosure.

In one aspect, at least one of the messages transmitted by the EIRterminal can include decoded message data corresponding to, e.g., a barcode label or an RFID label attached to an item or a product. Forexample, an EIR terminal can transmit a request to the host computer toretrieve product-related information corresponding to a productidentifier encoded by a bar code label attached to the item, or totransmit an item tacking record for an item identified by a bar codelabel attached to the item.

In one embodiment, EIR terminal can be configured to interrogate RFIDtags located within the RFID communications range. Referring again toFIG. 1, responsive to receiving an interrogation signal transmitted byEIR terminal 100, RFID tag 199 can respond to EIR terminal 100 bybackscatter-modulating the amplitude and/or phase of the RFID carrier.The response signal can contain useful data, e.g., an Electronic ProductCode (EPC) identifier, or a tag identifier (TID). In one embodiment, anRFID tag can constantly or periodically transmit a signal irrespectivelyof receiving a query signal from an RFID reader.

In another aspect, the information in RFID tag 199 can be programmedduring the manufacturing process (factory programming, typicallyproducing a read-only RFID tag) or after the manufacturing process hasbeen completed (field programming). In a further aspect, the informationin RFID tag 199 can be updated dynamically when the tag is in operation.

In another aspect, the distance at which an RFID tag can be read (theread range) can be affected by a number of factors, including the signalfrequency, the antenna gain, antenna radiation pattern, the orientationand polarization of the RFID reading device antenna and the RFID tagantenna. In a further aspect, the signal strength of an RFID signalreceived by EIR terminal 100 from RFID tag 199, combined with some othersettings and data, such as reader antenna orientation, reader antennalocation, RSSI from other readers, etc., can be indicative of thedistance range between EIR terminal 100 and RFID tag 199

In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 can be compliant with Generation 2 UHFAir Interface Protocol Standard commonly known as the “Gen 2” standard,which defines physical and logical requirements for apassive-backscatter, Interrogator-talks-first (ITF) RFID systemoperating in the 860 MHz-960 MHz frequency range.

In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 can be configured to store an ElectronicProduct Code (EPC) identifier and tag identifier (TID). In oneembodiment, RFID tag 199 can implement a “kill” function thatpermanently disables the tag. In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 can beconfigured to support password-protected access control. In oneembodiment, RFID tag 199 can comprise a memory, including read-only andprogrammable (user) memory. In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 can comprisea non-volatile memory which retains information without the need toelectrically power the memory device.

In one embodiment, EIR terminal 100 can transmit information to apassive RFID tag 199 by modulating an RF signal in the 860-960 MHzfrequency range. RFID 199 tag can receive both information and operatingenergy from the RF signal transmitted by EIR terminal 100. EIR terminal100 can receive information from RFID 199 tag by transmitting acontinuous-wave (CW) RF signal to the RFID tag 199. “Continuous wave”can refer to any waveform transmitted by an RFID reading device andsuitable to power a passive RFID tag, e.g., a sinusoid at a givenfrequency. RFID tag 199 can respond by modulating the reflectioncoefficient of its antenna, thus backscattering an information signal tothe EIR terminal 100. RFID tag 199 can modulate the reflectioncoefficient of its antenna only responsive to receiving an RFID signalfrom EIR terminal 100.

In a further aspect, EIR terminal 100 can be configured to sendinformation to one or more RFID tags by modulating an RF carrier usingdouble-sideband amplitude shift keying (DSB-ASK), single-sidebandamplitude shift keying (DSB-ASK), or phase-reversal amplitudeshift-keying (PR-ASK) using a pulse-interval encoding (PIE) format. RFIDtag 199 can be configured to receive its operating energy from the samemodulated RF carrier.

EIR terminal 100 can be configured to receive information from RFID tag199 by transmitting an unmodulated RF carrier and listening for abackscatter reply. RFID tag 199 can be configured to transmitinformation by backscatter-modulating the amplitude and/or phase of theRFID carrier. RFID tag 199 can be configured to encode the backscattereddata using, e.g., FMO baseband or Miller modulation of a subcarrier atthe data rate. The encoding method to be employed by RFID tag 199 can beselected by EIR terminal 100.

In another aspect, the communication link between EIR terminal 100 andRFID tag 199 can be half-duplex, meaning that RFID tag 199 is notrequired to demodulate EIR terminal's commands while backscattering.

In another aspect, RFID tag 199 can have a memory comprising one or morememory banks Each of the memory banks can comprise zero or more memorywords. In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 can comprise a reserved memorybank containing a kill password and an access password. In oneembodiment, RFID tag 199 can comprise an EPC memory bank containing acode (e.g., an EPC code) identifying the object to which the RFID tag isor will be attached. In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 can comprise a TIDmemory bank containing a tag identifier, tag mode number, tag-specificdata, and/or vendor specific data. In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 cancomprise a user memory bank containing user-specific data.

In another aspect, the kill password can be provided by a 32-bit valuestored in the reserved memory bank. EIR terminal 100 use the killpassword once for a given RFID tag, to permanently disable the tag. RFIDtag 199 should not execute the kill operation if its kill password hasnot been initialized. The access password can be provided by a 32-bitvalue stored in the reserved memory bank. RFID tag 199 having aninitialized (non-zero) access password can require EIR terminal 100 tosupply the access password before transitioning to a secured state.

In another aspect, EIR terminal can establish one or more sessions withone or more RFID tags. RFID tag 199 can support at least onesession-dependent flag for every session. The session-dependent flag canhave two states. RFID tag 199 can invert a session-dependent flagresponsive to receiving a command from EIR terminal 100. Tag resourcesother than session-dependent flags can be shared among sessions. Inanother aspect, an RFID tag can support a selected status flagindicating that the tag was selected by EIR terminal 100.

Referring again to FIG. 1, EIR terminal 100 can be configured tointerrogate RFID tags located within the RFID communications range inorder to locate at least one RFID tag transmitting an encodedrepresentation of a binary string, at least part of which is equal to atleast part one of the specified one or more target item identifiers.

The target item identifier can be in a form of a product code (e.g., anEPC code) or an RFID tag identifier. A skilled artisan would appreciatethe fact that other methods of specifying the target item identifier arewithin the scope of this disclosure. The target item identifier can beinputted into EIR terminal 100 using numerous methods. In oneembodiment, the target item identifier can be scanned using theterminal's bar code reading device. In another embodiment, the targetitem identifier can be keyed-in by a user using the terminal's keyboardor virtual keyboard. In a yet another embodiment, EIR terminal 100 canretrieve the target item identifier by querying external database 151using search terms (e.g., item description) provided by the user. In oneembodiment, the external database can return two or more itemidentifiers satisfying the specified search terms, and EIR terminal 100can prompt the user to select one or more target item identifiers fromthe list of identifiers returned by database 151. In one embodiment, EIRterminal can prompt the user to specify additional search terms and,responsive to receiving the user input, query database 151 using theupdated search terms.

In another embodiment, the target item identifier can be specified by auser employing EIR terminal 100 to scan a bar code or an RFID tag of asample item having at least some similarity with the target item. EIRterminal 100 can be configured, responsive to scanning a bar code orreading an RFID tag, to retrieve corresponding sample item descriptionfrom external database 151. The sample item description can comprise oneor more sample item characteristics. EIR terminal 100 can be furtherconfigured to display at least part of the item description retrievedfrom database 151 and to accept user input editing the item description(e.g., by modifying one or more sample item characteristics). EIRterminal 100 can be further configured to retrieve the target itemidentifier satisfying the modified description from external database151. In one embodiment, the target item identifier retrieved fromexternal database 151 can be accompanied by auxiliary item information,such as item availability, location, pricing, etc.

In a further aspect, database 151 can reside on external server 153. Inone embodiment, server 153 can be accessed by EIR terminal 100 using theterminal's wireless communication interface. In one embodiment, server153 can be accessible via the Internet. In another embodiment, server153 can be accessible via a local network (e.g., a retail storenetwork). A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other methodsof EIR terminal 100 accessing server 153 are within the scope of thisdescription.

In another embodiment, EIR terminal can be configured to receive thetarget item identifier via a messaging service, e.g., SMS or MMS. Inanother embodiment, EIR terminal can be configured to receive the targetitem identifier via voice command module of the EIR terminal byconverting a user voice command into an alphanumeric string containingthe target item identifier. A skilled artisan would appreciate the factthat other methods of EIR terminal 100 receiving the target itemidentifier are within the scope of this disclosure.

As noted herein supra, responsive to receiving the target itemidentifier, EIR terminal 100 can be configured to interrogate RFID tagslocated within the RFID communications range in order to locate at leastone RFID tag transmitting an encoded representation of a binary string,at least part of which is equal to at least part one of the specifiedone or more target item identifiers.

Responsive to receiving an interrogation signal transmitted by EIRterminal 100, RFID tag 199 can transmit a response signal back to EIRterminal 100. The response signal can contain useful data, e.g., anElectronic Product Code (EPC) identifier, or a tag identifier (TID). Theresponse signal can include a representation of a binary string, atleast part of which is equal to at least part one of the specified oneor more target item identifiers.

In one embodiment, EIR terminal can be configured to listen to radiosignals at one or more pre-defined frequencies before transmitting taginterrogation signals. In one embodiment, RFID tag 199 can constantly orperiodically transmit a signal irrespectively of receiving a querysignal from an EIR terminal.

In one embodiment, EIR terminal can implement EPC™ Class-1 Generation-2UHF RFID Protocol for Communications at 860 MHz-960 MHz by EPCglobal.EIR terminal 100 can interrogate RFID tags using the commands describedherein infra

Select command can be used by EIR terminal 100 to select a particularRFID tag population for the subsequent inventory round. Select commandcan be applied successively to select a particular tag population basedon user-specified criteria. Select command can include the followingparameters:

-   -   Target parameter indicates whether Select command modifies a        tag's SL flag or Inventoried flag, and in the latter case it        further specifies one of four available sessions (S0, . . , S3);    -   Action parameter indicates whether matching tags assert or        deassert SL flag, or set their Inventoried flag to A or B state;        tags conforming to the contents of MemBank, Pointer, Length, and        Mask parameters are considered to be matching;    -   Mask parameter contains a bit string that a tag should compare        to a memory location specified by MemBank, Pointer, and Length        parameters;    -   MemBank parameter specifies the memory bank to which Mask        parameter refers (EPC, TID, or User);    -   Pointer parameter specifies a memory start location for Mask;    -   Length parameter specifies the number of bits of memory for        Mask; if Length is equal to zero, all tags are considered        matching.

Inventory command set can be used by EIR terminal 100 to single out oneor more individual tags from a group. A tag can maintain up to foursimultaneous sessions and a binary Inventoried flag for each session.Inventory command set includes the following commands:

-   -   Query command can be used to initiate and specify an inventory        round; it contains a slot counter value (Q=0 to 15) determining        the number of slots in the round; the command also includes Sel        parameter specifying which tags should respond to the Query.    -   QueryAdjust command can be used to adjust the value of the tag's        slot counter Q without changing any other parameters;    -   QueryRep command can be used to repeat the last Query command;    -   Ack command can be used to acknowledge a tag's response;    -   Nak command can be used to force a tag to change its state to        Arbitrate.

An RFID tag can implement a state machine. Once energized, a tag canchange its current state to Ready. A selected tag can, responsive toreceiving Query command, select a random integer from the range of [0;2^(Q-1)]. If the value of zero is selected, the tag can transition toReply state, backscaterring a 16-bit random number. If a non-zero valueis selected, the tag can load the selected random integer into its slotcounter and change its state to Arbitrate.

Responsive to receiving the tag transmission, EIR terminal canacknowledge it with Ack command containing the same random number.Responsive to receiving Ack command, the tag can change its state toAcknowledged and backscatter its protocol control (PC) bits, EPC andcyclic redundancy check (CRC) value. Unacknowledged tag can select a newrandom integer from the range of [0; 2^(Q-1)], load the value into itsslot counter, and change its state to Arbitrate. Responsive to receivingQueryAdjust command, a tag in the Arbitrate state should decrement thevalue of its slot counter and backscatter its protocol control (PC)bits, EPC and CRC value if its slot counter is equal to zero.

Responsive to receiving the tag's transmission of its PC, EPC and 16-bitCRC value, EIR terminal can send a QueryAdjust command causing the tagto invert its Inventoried flag and to transition to Ready state.

Access command set can be used by EIR terminal 100 for communicatingwith (reading from and writing to) a tag. An individual tag must beuniquely identified prior to access. Access command set includes thefollowing commands:

ReqRn command can be used by EIR terminal 100 to request a handle from atag; the handle can be used in the subsequent Access command setcommands. Responsive to receiving Req_RN commands, a tag returns a16-bit random integer (handle) and transitions from Acknowledged to Openor Secured state.

Read command can be used by EIR terminal 100 to read tag's Reserved,EPC, TID and User memory;

Write command can be used by EIR terminal 100 to write to tag'sReserved, EPC, TID and User memory;

Kill command can be used by EIR terminal 100 to permanently disable atag;

Lock command can be used by EIR terminal 100 to lock passwordspreventing subsequent read or write operations; lock individual memorybanks preventing subsequent write operations; permanently lock the lockstatus of passwords or memory banks;

Access command can be used by EIR terminal 100 to cause a tag having anon-zero access password to transition from Open to Secured state.

A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other methods ofinterrogating RFID tags by EIR terminal 100 are within the scope of thisdisclosure.

In a further aspect, EIR terminal 100 can be configured, responsive tosuccessfully locating at least one RFID tag satisfying the searchcondition (i.e., a tag transmitting an encoded representation of abinary string, at least part of which is equal to at least part one ofthe specified one or more target item identifiers), to notify the userof EIR terminal 100 of a successful search via a visual message and/oran audible message. A visual Successful Search message can be displayedon display 504 of EIR terminal 100. An audible Successful Search messagecan be in a form of a generated voice message or a user-configurablesound.

In one embodiment, EIR terminal can be configured to sense its spatialmovement using accelerometer 357. In one embodiment, EIR terminal 100can be configured, responsive to sensing a spatial movement of said EIRterminal, to repeatedly attempt to locate at least one RFID tagsatisfying the search condition.

In one embodiment, EIR terminal 100 can be configured, responsive tofailing to locate within a pre-defined period of time at least one RFIDtag satisfying the search condition, to notify the user of EIR terminal100 of an unsuccessful search attempt via a visual message and/or anaudible message. A visual Unsuccessful Search Attempt message can bedisplayed on display 504 of EIR terminal 100. In one embodiment, thevisual message can indicate an approximate range within which the targetitem could not be located. An audible successful search message can bein a form of a generated voice message or a user-configurable sound.

In one embodiment, at least part of the above described item locatefunctionality can be implemented by one or more computer programsexecuted by microprocessor 310 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, at leastpart of the above described functionality can be implemented by one ormore hardware components of EIR terminal 100 of FIG. 2. In oneembodiment, one or more computer programs implementing the abovedescribed item locate functionality can be executed by microprocessor310 of FIG. 2 in parallel with executing other computer programs,including system and/or application computer programs. In oneembodiment, one or more computer programs implementing the abovedescribed item locate functionality can be executed by two or moremicroprocessors.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understoodby one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be affectedtherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by claims that can be supported by the written description anddrawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described withreference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that theexemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing less than the certainnumber of elements.

A small sample of systems methods and apparatus that are describedherein is as follows:

-   A1. An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal comprising:

a microprocessor;

a memory communicatively coupled to said microprocessor;

a communication interface;

an RFID reading device configured to perform at least one of: outputtingraw message data comprising an encoded message and outputting decodedmessage data corresponding to an encoded message;

wherein said EIR terminal is configured, responsive to receiving one ormore target item identifiers, to attempt to locate at least one RFID tagtransmitting an encoded representation of a binary string;

wherein at least part of said binary is equal to at least part of one ofsaid one or more target item identifiers;

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured, responsive tosuccessfully locating said at least one RFID tag, to notify a user ofsaid EIR terminal via at least one of: a visual message and an audiblemessage.

-   A2. The EIR terminal of Al, wherein said RFID reading device    comprises an antenna fabricated of a material having a composite    right- and left-handed (CRLH) structure.-   A3. The EIR terminal of Al, wherein said target item identifier is    provided by at least one of: a product code, an EPC code, a tag    identifier, and an alphanumeric string.-   A4. The EIR terminal of Al, further comprising a graphical user    interface (GUI) configured to receive one or more target item    characteristics.-   A5. The EIR terminal of Al, further comprising a graphical user    interface (GUI) configured to receive one or more target item    characteristics;

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured, responsive to receivingsaid one or more target item characteristics, to receive said targetitem identifier by querying an external database via said communicationinterface for at least one item identifier corresponding to an itemconforming to said one or more target item characteristics.

-   A6. The EIR terminal of A1, further configured, responsive to    reading by said RFID reading device a decoded message comprising a    sample item identifier, to query an external database via said    communication interface for a description of a sample item    identified by said sample item identifier, said description    comprising one or more sample item characteristics;

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to display via a GUI atleast part of said description;

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to receive a user inputspecifying one or more target item characteristics by modifying at leastone of said one or more sample item characteristics; and

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured, responsive to receivingsaid user input, to receive said target item identifier by querying anexternal database via said communication interface for at least one itemidentifier corresponding to an item conforming to said target itemcharacteristics.

-   A7. The EIR terminal of claim A1, further configured, responsive to    successfully locating said at least one RFID tag, to notify a user    of said EIR terminal via at least one of: a visual message    indicative of a distance to said at least one RFID tag and an    audible message indicative of a distance to said at least one RFID    tag.-   A8. The EIR terminal of Al, further configured, responsive to    sensing a spatial movement of said EIR terminal, to repeatedly    attempt to locate said at least one RFID tag.-   A9. The EIR terminal of Al, further configured, responsive to    failing to locate said at least one RFID tag, to notify a user of    said EIR terminal via at least one of: a visual message indicative    of a range within which said at least one RFID tag could not be    located and an audible message indicative of a range within which    said at least one RFID tag could not be located.-   A10. The EIR terminal of Al, further comprising an EIR device    selected from the group consisting of: a bar code reading device and    a card reading device, said EIR device configured to perform at    least one of: outputting raw message data comprising an encoded    message and outputting decoded message data corresponding to an    encoded message.-   A11. The EIR terminal of A1, further comprising an EIR device    selected from the group consisting of: a bar code reading device and    a card reading device, said EIR device configured to perform at    least one of: outputting raw message data comprising an encoded    message and outputting decoded message data corresponding to an    encoded message;

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to responsive to readingby said EIR device a decoded message comprising an item identifier, toquery an external database via said communication interface for adescription of an item identified by said item identifier, saiddescription comprising one or more sample item characteristics;

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to display via a GUI atleast part of said description;

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to receive a user inputspecifying one or more target item characteristics by modifying at leastone of said one or more sample item characteristics; and

wherein said EIR terminal is further configured, responsive to receivingsaid user input, to receive said target item identifier by querying anexternal database via said communication interface for at least one itemidentifier corresponding to an item conforming to said target itemcharacteristics.

-   A12. The EIR terminal of A1, wherein said EIR terminal is provided    by one of: a portable EIR terminal, a bar code reading terminal, a    mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer.

While the present invention has been described with reference to anumber of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the truespirit and scope of the invention should be determined only with respectto claims that can be supported by the present specification. Further,while in numerous cases herein wherein systems and apparatuses andmethods are described as having a certain number of elements it will beunderstood that such systems, apparatuses and methods can be practicedwith fewer than or greater than the mentioned certain number ofelements. Also, while a number of particular embodiments have beendescribed, it will be understood that features and aspects that havebeen described with reference to each particular embodiment can be usedwith each remaining particularly described embodiment.

1. An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal comprising: amicroprocessor; a memory communicatively coupled to said microprocessor;a communication interface; an RFID reading device configured to performat least one of: outputting raw message data comprising an encodedmessage and outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encodedmessage; wherein said EIR terminal is configured, responsive toreceiving one or more target item identifiers, to attempt to locate atleast one RFID tag transmitting an encoded representation of a binarystring; wherein at least part of said binary is equal to at least partof one of said one or more target item identifiers; wherein said EIRterminal is further configured, responsive to successfully locating saidat least one RFID tag, to notify a user of said EIR terminal via atleast one of: a visual message and an audible message.
 2. The EIRterminal of claim 1, wherein said RFID reading device comprises anantenna fabricated of a material having a composite right- andleft-handed (CRLH) structure.
 3. The EIR terminal of claim 1, whereinsaid target item identifier is provided by at least one of: a productcode, an EPC code, a tag identifier, and an alphanumeric string.
 4. TheEIR terminal of claim 1, further comprising a graphical user interface(GUI) configured to receive one or more target item characteristics. 5.The EIR terminal of claim 1, further comprising a graphical userinterface (GUI) configured to receive one or more target itemcharacteristics; wherein said EIR terminal is further configured,responsive to receiving said one or more target item characteristics, toreceive said target item identifier by querying an external database viasaid communication interface for at least one item identifiercorresponding to an item conforming to said one or more target itemcharacteristics.
 6. The EIR terminal of claim 1, further configured,responsive to reading by said RFID reading device a decoded messagecomprising a sample item identifier, to query an external database viasaid communication interface for a description of a sample itemidentified by said sample item identifier, said description comprisingone or more sample item characteristics; wherein said EIR terminal isfurther configured to display via a GUI at least part of saiddescription; wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to receivea user input specifying one or more target item characteristics bymodifying at least one of said one or more sample item characteristics;and wherein said EIR terminal is further configured, responsive toreceiving said user input, to receive said target item identifier byquerying an external database via said communication interface for atleast one item identifier corresponding to an item conforming to saidtarget item characteristics.
 7. The EIR terminal of claim Al, furtherconfigured, responsive to successfully locating said at least one RFIDtag, to notify a user of said EIR terminal via at least one of: a visualmessage indicative of a distance to said at least one RFID tag and anaudible message indicative of a distance to said at least one RFID tag.8. The EIR terminal of claim 1, further configured, responsive tosensing a spatial movement of said EIR terminal, to repeatedly attemptto locate said at least one RFID tag.
 9. The EIR terminal of claim 1,further configured, responsive to failing to locate said at least oneRFID tag, to notify a user of said EIR terminal via at least one of: avisual message indicative of a range within which said at least one RFIDtag could not be located and an audible message indicative of a rangewithin which said at least one RFID tag could not be located.
 10. TheEIR terminal of claim 1, further comprising an EIR device selected fromthe group consisting of: a bar code reading device and a card readingdevice, said EIR device configured to perform at least one of:outputting raw message data comprising an encoded message and outputtingdecoded message data corresponding to an encoded message.
 11. The EIRterminal of claim 1, further comprising an EIR device selected from thegroup consisting of: a bar code reading device and a card readingdevice, said EIR device configured to perform at least one of:outputting raw message data comprising an encoded message and outputtingdecoded message data corresponding to an encoded message; wherein saidEIR terminal is further configured to responsive to reading by said EIRdevice a decoded message comprising an item identifier, to query anexternal database via said communication interface for a description ofan item identified by said item identifier, said description comprisingone or more sample item characteristics; wherein said EIR terminal isfurther configured to display via a GUI at least part of saiddescription; wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to receivea user input specifying one or more target item characteristics bymodifying at least one of said one or more sample item characteristics;and wherein said EIR terminal is further configured, responsive toreceiving said user input, to receive said target item identifier byquerying an external database via said communication interface for atleast one item identifier corresponding to an item conforming to saidtarget item characteristics.
 12. The EIR terminal of claim 1, whereinsaid EIR terminal is provided by one of: a portable EIR terminal, a barcode reading terminal, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer.